20+ years

Jerry Usry joined the firm in 2015, establishing the firm's Atlanta, Georgia office. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Jerry was the principal and founder of a successful, full-service, public affairs consulting firm headquartered in Albany, Georgia

Under retainer with a number of corporate, governmental and association clients, the firm established a strong track record of accomplishments with both the Georgia General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. From securing multi-million dollar appropriations projects, to drafting and implementing complex legislative strategies, Jerry has consistently achieved client goals and enjoys long-term business relationships as a result. He has played a major role in the reform of the Georgia Tax Code, a rewrite of state health and water planning laws, new food safety reporting statutes and the establishment and funding of a variety of university based institutes.

Democrat and Republican governors have appointed him to a variety of government policy posts, including the Georgia Rural Development Council and the ACT-ACF Water Compacts Advisory Committee. Jerry has also been recognized by prestigious organizations for professional accomplishments: Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, Rising Star in Business and Politics; American Society of Association Executives, National Award for Excellence in Government Relations; James Magazine, Top Ten Independent Lobbyists in Georgia; and Zpolitics, 16 power players under the Gold Dome. Jerry is an original member of Governor Nathan Deal's (R-GA) Finance Committee and was appointed to his Inaugural Executive Committee.

Prior to the establishment of his consulting practice, Jerry was a staff director of a major commodity organization and a regional administrator for a state agency. He is a member of the Georgia Professional Lobbyist Association, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

A lifelong Georgian and a native of Athens, Jerry has a B.S.A. and a Master's degree in Public Administration.

20+ years

Camille Young brings almost two decades of background in the practice of state and federal government affairs to Cornerstone's Jackson, Mississippi office. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Camille spent 10 years as a government affairs representative with one of the State's leading law firms, Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A.

Prior to that, Camille spent five years at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation in several positions, including communications specialist, director of media relations and government relations specialist. During her time at Farm Bureau, she also spent time on Capitol Hill establishing relationships and providing support for the agricultural community. She also held a position with the United States Department of Agriculture as an outreach and public affairs specialist.

At Watkins Ludlam, Camille worked for the state and federal legislative interests of clients as varied as an institution of higher learning, a major automotive manufacturer, associations that represent constituents in every county of the state and healthcare entities. In addition to her Capitol lobbying tasks, Camille provided significant support to clients in areas of public relations and community relations.

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour tapped Camille to serve as a museum liaison for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum project that joined public and private sponsors to launch the venture that will honor Mississippi's history in the Civil Rights Movement.

Camille is very involved in community activities like the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Board of Directors, the Junior League of Jackson Sustainers Board of Directors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Mississippi 4-H Foundation. She also was honored to serve as President of the Mississippi State University National Alumni Association in 2012-13.

Camille has been honored for her professional accomplishments and service to the community as a member of the Mississippi Business Journal's Top 50 Business Women (2006) and Top 40 Under 40 (2005). She was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi and Alumnus of the Year by the Central Mississippi Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association. She also is a member of the BankFirst Board of Directors and the inaugural class of Top 50 Most Influential People in Mississippi.

Camille grew up in Shannon, MS, and graduated from Mississippi State University (B.A., 1994 and M.S., 1996).

Camille and her husband Keith are the proud parents of three children and enjoy living in rural Madison County. Camille is an active participant in her church, community and the school activities of her children.

Lawrence Bell joined Cornerstone in February 2023 from Sen. Warnock's (D-GA) office where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor. Lawrence joined the Senator's office after serving as an Advisor and Chief of Staff for the Warnock for Georgia Senatorial campaign in the 2020 special election. His leadership role on that campaign led to a historic victory electing the state's first Black United States senator.

Prior to joining the Warnock campaign, Lawrence worked in the Atlanta office of a large law and lobbying firm. There, he represented some of the country's largest corporations, working with state and local elected officials to help shape public policy and regulations across a variety of industries. His role at the firm also included community engagement, helping the organization develop and implement its philanthropic strategy to maximize the firm's impact in the community.

Lawrence has volunteered with numerous organizations including Big Brother Big Sister, Yes Atlanta and Urban League of Greater Atlanta-Young Professionals, among others. He has served on the advisory board for the Young Adult Guidance Center, and the Atlanta Chapter of National Black MBA. He also served on the board for Groundwork Atlanta, a non-profit focused on environmental sustainability and was a Trustee at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he is still a member. Lawrence was recognized in Southern Journal Magazine as one of their 14 under 40. He received his master's from Georgia State University and his bachelor's from Clark Atlanta University.

Shalamar Parham joined Cornerstone in January 2025 after serving as a Senior Policy Analyst with GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group, where she lobbied and advocated on client issues and analyzed legislation to support client needs.

Prior to that, Shalamar served as Policy Manager/Legal Counsel for the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, where she provided policy advice, drafted legislation, and led a team of nine in summarizing over 1,000 bills. Her experience also includes serving as Chief of Staff for former Georgia State Representative Erick Allen (D-GA), overseeing legislative strategies, managing staff, and coordinating with leadership.

In addition to her public policy expertise, Shalamar has an extensive legal background. She worked as the Managing Attorney at her own firm - Parham Law Firm, LLC, where she managed active cases, recruited and developed legal teams, and handled firm operations for more than a decade.

She holds a Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University.

Lauren Vella joined Cornerstone in January of 2025, launching the firm's Delaware office and expanding our Mid-Atlantic reach and capabilities.

Prior to Cornerstone, Lauren served as Chief of Staff to the University President at the University of Delaware (UD).

Lauren also served as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House in the Delaware House of Representatives, where she managed the staff of the Majority Caucus and was the chief advisor to House Majority Caucus Leadership to shape and achieve their policy and political goals. Lauren served Attorney General Kathy Jennings as Policy & Legislative Director for the Delaware Department of Justice during Jennings' first term where she managed the significant legislative agenda for the department.

Lauren holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Delaware.

Kelly Wright joined the Cornerstone Mississippi team as a vice president in December 2023.

Kelly brings over a decade of experience in government relations, showcasing a diverse skillset and proven ability to navigate the intricacies of both state and federal legislative landscapes. In her most recent role as the director of government affairs at the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), she actively engaged with state legislators to advocate for key issues relevant to the MMA. Kelly's responsibilities included monitoring committee meetings and floor actions, preparing detailed position papers on legislation and establishing crucial relationships.

Additionally, Kelly maintained membership activities at MMA, where she oversaw the policy and government affairs committees. She served as a liaison between member companies and various state agencies, ensuring open lines of communication and facilitating collaboration. Notably, Kelly demonstrated her leadership abilities by managing the MMA PAC. She identified candidates aligned with MMA's mission and made recommendations to the MMA PAC Board.

Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in history and psychology from the University of Mississippi.

Drew Maddox joined the Cornerstone Mississippi team in February 2020 as a vice president with more than 10 years of experience in finance and education policy. Previously, Drew served as the chief financial officer of the Mississippi Department of Revenue, where he oversaw all administrative divisions of the department, including accounting, communications, processing, information technologies and logistics. As CFO, Drew also worked closely with state legislators and statewide elected officials to guide tax policy decisions, liquor laws, and revenue-generating activities.

Prior to his time at the Department of Revenue, Drew also worked as director of state engagement at EdBuild, where he used his knowledge of political and governmental structures to strategically place educational reform proposals in the best positions for success in state legislatures across the country. Drew has also worked at the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office as the Senate budget officer, where he worked closely with leadership to craft and pass balanced budgets.

Drew received his Bachelor of Arts in English literature and his Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two children (Sam and Bee), baseball, and gardening.

Alisa Nave-Worth joined Cornerstone in January 2025 following her time as CEO of Alisa Nave Consulting. With over a decade of experience in politics and government affairs, she brings unparalleled expertise in Nevada's legal, political and public policy matters. She leverages her deep understanding of the legislative process and strong relationships with lawmakers and regulators to craft and advocate for legislative strategies that benefit a diverse array of corporate clients.

Known for her integrity and commitment, Alisa has built a reputation as a trusted advisor in the Nevada political landscape. Additionally, she previously opened the Las Vegas offices at different times for two of the largest law and lobbying firms in the country. Alisa specializes in addressing legislative, regulatory and administrative issues, focusing on transportation, construction, emerging financial technologies, entertainment, infrastructure and campaign finance compliance. She has successfully represented clients before the Nevada Legislature and state agencies, guiding them through complex rule-making and regulatory matters.

A seasoned campaign consultant, Alisa has worked on Presidential campaigns, where she spearheaded grassroots initiatives and built influential political coalitions across Nevada. As the Executive Director to the Nevada Senate Caucus, she developed and implemented political and communications strategies, enabling the passage of critical legislation across sectors such as transportation, energy, taxation, gaming and education.

Alisa holds a B.A. in Russian Language and Literature and Public Policy Studies from Duke University and earned her Juris Doctorate from Berkeley Law School, UC Berkeley. Licensed to practice law in Nevada and California, she is a member of the Clark County Bar Association and the Nevada State Bar Association.

Mark Yates joined Cornerstone in July 2021 as a principal in the firm's Oklahoma City office. His experience in public policy includes working with various industries through statewide campaigns, legislative engagement, media relations, and public speaking. Mark has been successful navigating complex and challenging initiatives on behalf of the clean energy and agriculture industries.

Mark previously served as vice president at Advanced Power Alliance (APA) where he represented leading domestic and international companies in the renewable energy sector. While in this role, he managed the association's regional public policy strategy, communications strategy, and membership recruitment efforts. Mark served a major role in shaping legislative and regulatory policy within the most important energy region in the country.

Prior to APA, Mark worked at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, where he led membership recruitment initiatives, mobilized a statewide grassroots campaign, and lobbied for rural issues on behalf of the nearly 90,000 farmers and ranchers.

Before his time with the Farm Bureau, Mark was a professional educator in the Oklahoma public school system for 11 years. Along with his teaching experience, Mark also had administrative experience serving as a federal programs director for Plainview Public Schools in Ardmore, OK.

Mark is a graduate of East Central University in Ada, OK and holds a bachelor's degree in History and master's in Secondary Administration. Mark and his wife Stacy reside in Edmond, OK where they are active in their community and have two children, Londyn and Steele.

15-20 years

With twenty years of senior leadership experience in public policy and external affairs, Michael is a valued partner for business leaders navigating the intersection of the public and private sectors at the state level. Michael helps lead the state health care practice, while his passion for emerging technology has translated to a thriving practice in this space for Tremont Strategies.

Before his role as a founding partner at TSG, Michael served as Vice President for External Relations at an international medical services where he led government affairs, communications, business development and community relations.

Prior to that, Michael was Executive Vice President at a top healthcare public affairs firm, as well as Managing Partner at a multistate and federal government relations firm. Michael began his career in working in the Maine State Senate and later served as senior staff member for the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Michael is on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center and a Liaison Board Member for the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs. Michael graduated with distinction with a degree in Government from Colby College.

Jeff Hamling joined Cornerstone in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and relationships in Atlanta, Georgia. Jeff came to the firm after two years as a lobbyist in Dentons' Atlanta and Washington offices where he represented a number of corporate, governmental, and non-profit clients.

Prior to Dentons, Jeff worked at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce as vice president for state and federal affairs. Jeff joined the Chamber after serving then-Congressman Tom Price for over five years. Starting as a staff assistant, Jeff was quickly promoted to deputy chief of staff, overseeing the Atlanta office and various aspects of the federal legislative staff.

Jeff has also been recognized by prestigious organizations for professional accomplishments: profiled in Capitol Impact Magazine's People on the Move, "Rookie of the Year" award voted on by his peers in the Georgia lobbying community, and James Magazine's Georgia's Political Influencers in Washington, D.C.

Jason Frierson joined Cornerstone in February 2025 following his service as the United States Attorney for the District of Nevada since 2022. He was nominated by President Biden, acting as the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the District of Nevada, and the first African American to hold the position. In this role, Jason led a team of more than 100 prosecutors and staff professionals, including 55 attorneys who handled federal criminal, civil and appellate cases. In addition, he met regularly with local, state and federal law enforcement agency leaders, and other key community leaders and organizations to discuss investigations, current cases and developing trends.

Jason started his career representing the indigent, serving as a prosecutor of white-collar criminals and as an agency attorney in protecting child abuse victims. In 2010, he was elected to the Nevada State Assembly and was voted the best freshman Assemblyman in 2011. After being re-elected for the 2013 session, he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

After one term out of the legislature, Jason was elected to return to the Nevada Assembly in 2016 and was then selected in a bipartisan and unanimous vote to serve as the Assembly's first African American Speaker in Nevada history. He served in that role for three consecutive legislative sessions, leading one of the most diverse state legislatures in the country and the first female majority legislature in the country's history.

Prior to his legislative service, Jason served in a variety of significant legal roles in both the public and private sector. Jason holds a B.S. in Health Science from the University of Nevada and earned his Juris Doctorate from William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Manning joined Cornerstone in May of 2023 following his time at Watkins & Eager PLLC, where he served as a Government Affairs Advisor. Based in Jackson, Manning supports clients at the state and federal level, specifically with infrastructure, community development, public safety, workforce development, Corps of Engineers and other issues areas.

In his previous role, he helped secure state appropriations for projects and pursued federal earmark requests, successfully advocating for tens of millions of dollars for clients. Additionally, he worked on a variety of issues including tax policy, business regulations, and federal and state regulatory approval for complex, large scale projects.

Prior to this, Manning held different roles with the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), his last one being the Chief of Federal Affairs and Strategic Priorities, where he worked directly with the governor and his staff to support economic development. Manning was a member of the executive committee of the state's lead economic and community development agency advancing the state's priorities on a variety of federal issues including aerospace, military spending and base/mission realignment, infrastructure and defense sector recruitment.

While at the MDA he also directed the activities of six division directors with a wide variety of responsibilities from strategic policy development, community development and federal regulatory compliance, in addition to coordinating the inter-governmental affairs of the agency, including working closely with the Office of the Governor, statewide elected officials, other state executive agencies, the state legislature and the federal Congressional delegation.

Manning holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi.

Charlene Puchalla serves as an Assistant Vice President in Cornerstone's Atlanta, GA office, assisting the firm's government relations team with client service activities including conducting research and providing updates on state legislative matters and diverse regulatory issues.

Charlene joins Cornerstone following her time at Wellstar Health System, where she held multiple positions, most recently serving as a Government Relations Specialist. In this role, she developed and managed relationships with elected officials and key staff in Georgia at the local, state and federal levels, while assisting in developing and recommending legislative priorities and goals. Charlene gained invaluable experience summarizing and interpreting the impact of legislation and preparing legislative summaries, regular communications and presentations. She also served as a Legal Assistant of Government Relations at Wellstar.

Prior to Wellstar, Charlene served as a scheduler and field representative for Representative Tom Price (R-GA) for more than seven years. She began her career as a legislative and research aid in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Charlene earned her bachelor's with a concentration in public administration from Shippensburg University.

Lauren McCay serves as a Senior Associate in Cornerstone's Oklahoma City office, assisting the firm's government relations team with client service activities including conducting research and providing updates on state legislative matters and diverse regulatory issues.

Lauren comes to Cornerstone from Lilly & Company where she led the firm's highly successful fundraising effort in Oklahoma as an Account Executive. She was responsible for executing numerous fundraisers and meeting fundraising goals for current federal legislators and those seeking office in the U.S House and Senate.

Before joining Lilly & Company, Lauren served as a Congressional Intern for Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) where she managed and answered constituent inquiries while also supporting staff by taking initiative on various district office projects and case work.

Lauren received her Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Oklahoma.

Patrick Love joined Cornerstone in January 2025 after serving as an Attorney Analyst for the Georgia Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis, where he supported standing committees by reviewing all assigned legislation, advising chairs on parliamentary procedures and conducting requested research for senators, leadership and staff.

Prior to that, Patrick served as a Budget and Policy Analyst for the Georgia House Budget and Research Office where he staffed the House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee which oversees the state's universities, colleges and scholarship programs. In that role, he also staffed the House standing committees on Defense and Veteran Affairs and Science and Technology. Patrick's experiences also include serving as a Legal Services Worker for the Georgia Department of Human Services, Legal Extern for the Georgia Department of Law and Legal Extern for Georgia Senate Office of the Democratic Leader.

He holds a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from University of Texas at Dallas.

Jenna Massoni serves as a senior associate supporting the firm's Annapolis, Maryland office. She assists a team of seven senior professionals with issue monitoring, policy research and analysis and legislative advocacy and outreach. She became a member of the Public Relations Society of America Inc. in 2021.

Prior to her current position, Jenna managed health care benefits for the students of Johns Hopkins University and was involved in planning the annual commencement ceremony.

Jenna graduated from Washington College in May 2015 with a B.S. in Business Management and received her M.A. in Contemporary Communications from Notre Dame of MD University in December 2019.

Sally Kilpatrick advises a diverse set of clients on state legislative and regulatory issues with a focus on healthcare, energy, education and economic development policy. Sally joined Cornerstone's Atlanta, Georgia office in September 2015 and has more than 10 years of experience providing strategic advice to the private sector.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, Sally served as vice president of government affairs at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the state's largest business advocacy organization. Through her seven-year tenure at the Chamber, Sally developed an extensive background managing legislative and regulatory issues in the policy areas of water, energy, education, economic development and health care. While at the Chamber, Sally served on the Technology Association of Georgia's Government Affairs Taskforce and the Georgia Water Alliance. She managed the Georgia Chamber's Local Chamber Legislative Ad Hoc Committee and legislative affairs for Chamber's Small Business Advisory Council.

She has established strong, bipartisan working relationships with House and Senate members of the Georgia General Assembly and state agency officials. Her industry specific knowledge and key relationships have been valuable in assisting clients to successfully achieve their legislative and regulatory objectives at the state Capitol.

Sally is a current board member of Atlanta Moms Making A Difference and serves on the executive committee of the Georgia Chamber's Government Affairs Council.

Sally earned her B.S. in Journalism at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She and her husband Trey reside in Atlanta with their daughter, Phen, and son, Clark.

Paul W. Rainwater most recently held the title as Governor Jindal's Chief of Staff. He resigned in February of 2014 to pursue a career in the private sector and shortly thereafter joined Cornerstone Government Affairs.

Prior to his latest position, Paul held the title of Commissioner of Administration. Before that, he served as Governor Jindal's deputy chief of staff. Prior to that, he served as executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA). Previously, Paul served as legislative director and chief of operations for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. From June 2006 to January 2007, he served as director of hazard mitigation and intergovernmental affairs at the LRA, where he managed program policies, served as team leader and coordinated with state and federal agencies to set mitigation priorities. From July 2000 to June 2006, Paul served as the chief administrative officer for the City of Lake Charles.

Paul also formerly served as manager of governmental affairs for Conoco, Inc., Gulf Coast Business Unit in Baton Rouge from 1998 to July 2000; as manager of public affairs for ARCO Chemical in Lake Charles from 1995 to May 1998; and as administrative aide to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury in Lake Charles from 1988 to 1996.

In addition to his public service duties, Paul also serves as a colonel with the Louisiana Army National Guard in the Joint Director of Military Support for Disaster Response Unit. He previously served as a lieutenant colonel in the Congressional Liaison Office of the Louisiana Army National Guard and as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserves' 336th Finance Command. For his military service, Paul has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Paul earned a bachelor's degree in government from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, a master's degree in international relations from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island, and is certified as a local government manager by Louisiana State University.

Elliott Flaggs joined Cornerstone's Jackson office in October 2015. He most recently served as a special assistant attorney general with the Mississippi Attorney General's Office in the capacity of legislative liaison for Attorney General Jim Hood and director of the Child Desertion Unit. His responsibilities included analyzing and advocating legislation impacting state citizens and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, advising the executive staff on legislative strategies, and making recommendations regarding legislative proposals. He also prosecuted parents for child neglect and abandonment in the Public Integrity Division.

Prior to the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, Elliott attended Mississippi State University where he received a bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering (B.A., 2007). After graduation, he was accepted into the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - Walmart Emerging Leaders Program where he worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for Congressman G.K. Butterfield (North Carolina - District 1). Subsequently, he attended The University of Mississippi School of Law and graduated cum laude (J.D., 2012). During law school, he was a member of the Mississippi Law Journal and Dean's Leadership Council while also serving as a Law School Student Body Senator.

Furthermore, Elliott is an active member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Jackson Young Lawyers, Magnolia Bar Association, the Charles Clark Inn of Court and Jackson Professional Group. He is an incorporator and board member of The First Tee of Central Mississippi in Jackson, MS. He is also a 2015-16 graduate of Leadership Greater Jackson and now serves on their board of directors. In addition, Elliott has been recognized as an American Cancer Society - Best Dressed Jackson honoree as a result of his community service efforts and by the Clarion Ledger as a Top Politician and Politico Under 35 in Mississippi.

Elliott and his wife, Brittany, reside in Madison, MS with their daughter, Lianne.

Mike Vlacich brings over 25 years of experience in public policy, administration and government at every level to open Cornerstone's Concord, New Hampshire office.

He joins the firm following his time at the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), where he was appointed by President Biden to the role of regional administrator. He was responsible for overseeing SBA programs, offices and operations in the SBA's New England region which serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Prior to this role, Mike held several positions in the Office of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) with the latest being senior advisor. He provided support to the Senator, Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, State Director, scheduling department and Communications Director on policy, communications and other strategic imperatives. He also held key roles in Sen. Maggie Hassan's office (D-NH) and Gov. John Lynch's office as director of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development.

Along with his government involvement, Mike was president and CEO of a higher education trade association, the New Hampshire College and University Council, a member of the University System of NH Board of Trustees, UNH Alumni Association Board, the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, NH EPSCoR Statewide Committee, New Hampshire Small Business Development Council Advisory Committee, New Hampshire Workforce Opportunity Council and the Governor's Save Our Shipyard Commission.

He has received the New Hampshire Business Review Business Excellence Award. He also earned the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development Award for Excellence, the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire's Above and Beyond Award and was ranked on the Business NH Influencer Index.

Mike received his bachelor's in political science from the University of New Hampshire.

Stephanie Balistere joined Cornerstone in January 2025 following her time at Alisa Nave Consulting where she served as an Associate.

Stephanie has years of operational and strategic planning experience, streamlining firm operations and providing seamless client interfaces. She began her career in government affairs as a small business owner and oversaw running campaign compliance, client communications and logistics.

Steven Barker joined Cornerstone as a Principal in our Oklahoma office in November 2025.

Prior to Cornerstone he served as Assistant Municipal Counselor for the City of Oklahoma City. In this role, he represented the city in eminent domain and land use matters, advised the City Manager's Office and Planning Department and supported key strategic initiatives, including securing a 25-year lease agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Previously, Steven served as General Counsel at Coop Ale Works, providing nationwide regulatory guidance to support product distribution. In this role, he managed all federal and state compliance, negotiated agreements with distributors and oversaw the company's licensing portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Steven worked with the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, where he held leadership roles as Deputy Director and General Counsel. He has also served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office and as Assistant General Counsel with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Steven currently serves as Chief Municipal Judge for the City of Warr Acres, where he presides over arraignment, juvenile and trial dockets.

Steven holds a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pittsburg State University.